Like many companies, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is exploring new ways of making sure associates have the tools and abilities to bring their best selves to work. The COVID-19 pandemic taught many businesses about the importance of giving their workers flexibility and valuing a “working to live” philosophy over a “living to work” one.

Creating a culture that embraces work/life flexibility is not just a trend, but a thoughtful approach to meeting associates where they are while empowering them to bring their best selves to work for themselves, their teams and their customers. This is what Life at Blue embraces.

Launched earlier this year, the Life at Blue concept allows associates and their managers to define what is the right level of flexibility for their work role and life. It doesn’t require associates to stick to a rigid schedule or be in the office five days a week. Rather, Life at Blue gives associates the freedom to choose the work environment that works for them when it comes to productivity, collaboration and adaptability.

“These changes are an evolution and a signal to constant change – not only how we work, but how we live our values every day and evolve our company culture while we work to deliver health care that is easy to use, affordable and within reach for all Minnesotans,” says Dana Erickson, president and CEO at Blue Cross. “The success of our work model will be reflected in the success of the business and our ability to meet customer needs in an effective way.”

“There is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach to work and to life,” says Julie Loosbrock, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Blue Cross. “There are times when it makes sense to work from our home office, as we can be most productive there. Then there are times that we come into the office to convene, communicate, collaborate because that will drive the best outcomes. We must be intentional and purposeful about how, when and where we work so that we continue to deliver the best outcomes for our customers and members."

One associate’s experience with work/life flexibility

Carmelina Johnson is a care advocacy case manager on the Care Management team and has been with Blue Cross for almost a year. Prior to joining the team, she worked as a nurse within hospitals and long-term care settings for ten years.

While she loved caring for people in a hands-on setting, Carmelina’s family life, coupled with the stresses of working on the front lines of health care, became overwhelming She knew it was time for a change.

“From onboarding with Blue Cross up until now, I have learned that you can make a difference in someone's life from afar,” says Carmelina. “Almost daily, I am told by members how I made their day by assisting them with questions about their condition, medication management or how to navigate the healthcare system.”

Carmelina says having a more flexible work environment and working remotely has allowed her to spend more quality time with her children. She’s now able to pick them up from school, cook healthy meals and play with them regularly in the evenings.

Making health and wellness a priority

Carmelina says she’s also made her own health and wellness a priority by establishing an exercise routine during the workday.

“I try to do a Peloton class or run/walk outside at least four times a week on my lunch break,” she says. “I find that if I exercise on my lunch break, I have more time in the evenings to spend with my family.”

“Our company culture ultimately helps me free up time on weekends to enjoy uninterrupted time with my family and friends,” Carmelina adds. “I try to live my life as balanced as possible. This job has really helped me to accomplish that goal.”

“The world has changed, and we must change with it”

“As I think about our culture and Life at Blue, flexibility is one of the attributes that is emblematic of the experience we want for our associates,” says Julie. “Having this choice enables us to work in ways that fit our lives and allows our teams to work in ways that enable them to do their best work. The world has changed, and we must change with it.”

“Embracing this flexibility, freedom and diversity will improve the results we achieve,” adds Julie. “On that journey we will be happier, more engaged and motivated in how we show up for each other and for our customers and members.

Interested in working at Blue Cross? Click here to view our open job opportunities.